Twelve months after her son was murdered by her partner Australian of the Year Rosie Batty will today meet State and Federal leaders in the fight for women to be heard.
Ms Batty, who is on this month’s cover of The Australian Women’s Weekly, has been grieving the loss of her seven year old boy while leading the push to reduce the shocking incidence of family violence.
The story of how she fought and failed to be heard at every level from Victorian Legal Aid, Family Court, Victorian Police and Child Protection services is set out in detail in this month’s magazine.
Four months before he was killed Child Protection closed the book on the case after being satisfied Luke was not in danger.
The death of Luke has thrust her into the limelight and today she takes her call for reform to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in Canberra alongside former Victorian Police Commissioner Ken Lay.
Ms Batty believes inequality is at the centre of many of the issues that result in family violence and has argued apprehended violence orders are not ‘worth the paper they are printed on’.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has already flagged a national scheme that would mean a protection order issued in one state would apply across the country.
He has appointed Mr Lay and Ms Batty to a domestic violence advisory panel.
Two women a week are currently being killed by a partner or former partner as the statistics worsen despite years of awareness programs and government initiatives.
Ms Batty has welcomed the Federal Government’s determination for reform but has also voiced her concern about cuts to funding women refuges.
This morning state Premiers, including South Australia’s Jay Weatherill strongly supported the Federal Government’s approach.
“We think there is some sensible co-operation that could protect women from violence, from partners that might have criminal records from other jurisdictions … or criminal intelligence from other jurisdictions that may be useful to be shared to be protective of women,” Mr Weatherill said.
The momentum for reform to fight the rise of family violence has already seen newly elected New South Wales Premier Mike Baird introduce the first minister dedicated to the eradicating family violence.
Former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward will head the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault ministry.
Mr Baird has also introduced a pilot program to allow people to ask authorities about their partner if they believe they are at risk.
It is modelled on a law in the UK which also gives government agencies the ability to disclose information.
